G5 Literary-Analysis

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NAVIGATING LOVE, LOYALTY, AND LIFE’S EDGE: PEELING BACK THE

LAYERS OF ‘SHE'S DATING THE GANGSTER’

ALIJAH T. GUISONA

SITTIE ALAYHA K. LIDASAN

JANNEL MARK F. LORENZO

LEO JR. B. MIRAL

JEZZERETH JADE J. MORALES

Literary Analysis Submitted to the Department of English Language and Literature,

College of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Southern Mindanao,

Kabacan, Cotabato in Fulfilment of the Requirements for

LITERATURE OF THE PHILIPPINES (GE11)

JUNE 2024
I. Introduction

The 2014 film "She's Dating the Gangster," directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina

and produced by ABS-CBN Film Productions, is an adaptation of Bianca

Bernardino's popular Filipino Wattpad novel with the same title. This cinematic work

delves into themes of love, loyalty, and the turbulent journey of life, capturing the

vibrancy and challenges of modern Filipino society.

At its core, the story follows the complex relationship between Athena Dizon,

who has a chronic heart disease and the notorious gangster, Kenji Delos Reyes.

With their fake relationship, this explores how this situation creates bond that evolves

amidst societal expectations, personal dilemmas, and experiences towards teenage

love. It also shows how it delves characters in varieties of moments before stepping

to adulthood. Additionally, the feelings that formed later on create problems that

shakes each personality toward loyalty and life's edge.

The film's portrayal of relationships and loyalty within the context of Filipino

culture raises questions about how these dynamics reflect or challenge societal

norms. By peeling back, the layers of the narrative, this analysis seeks to understand

how the film mirrors the real-life experiences of individuals grappling with love and

loyalty in a rapidly changing society.

The characters' indulgence with each other offers certain issues that reflect

society's norms and expectations. The cliche type of story where the rich man falls in

love with a poor girl reveals different status in society with insights that love has no

status. Furthermore, society's issues about love in terms of sacrifices and loyalty

when becomes too attached did exist in real world and can be petrifying. This love
can be a bigger problem that affects life of the characters involved and the people

that surrounds them.

This analysis give significance that lies in its potential to reveal deeper

insights into the Filipino sociocultural landscape. By examining the film through a

sociological lens, it uncovers how it addresses and critiques societal expectations,

offering a nuanced perspective on the human experience of navigating life's

uncertainties and risks. This can offer varieties of reasons why too much can be

dangerous and too less can be hopeless. With the opening of sensitive topics in

terms of love and loyalty involving life's edge, this can be a cultural-reset to lighten

society on how can this be a one-step-way for the sociological betterment. This

exploration is essential not only for understanding the film itself but also for gaining a

broader comprehension of the cultural and social fabric of the contemporary

Philippines.

II. Research Questions

This literary analysis seeks to explore the intricate layers of narrative and

character development within the film, aiming to uncover deeper meanings and

societal implications. Specifically, the analysis addresses the following questions:

1. How does the film reflect or comment on contemporary Filipino society,

particularly in navigating complexities in terms of relationships and loyalty?

2. What insights does the film offer with the intersection to societal norms or

expectations?
3. In what ways does the story reflect the human experience of navigating through

life's uncertainties and risks especially in love and loyalty?

III. Literary Approach

The film “She’s Dating the Gangster” portray social life of the characters that

reflects social life of the society. It presents frequent societal issues, norms, or

standards replenish characters identity towards reality. To better understand the film

behind its lenses, A Literary Analysis of Sociological Approach was used. This

approach is used to find the meaning of literary works that is somehow related to

social life; how you behave and rebuild with the flowing societal standards instilled to

everyone. It concerns the relationship between the characters and the society that

contributes as a moral lesson that can be used in social life.

IV. Review Related Literature

This chapter contains the concepts that will help readers familiarize important

and similar knowledge related to the current research. Particularly, this chapter

discusses studies and literature related to the plot of the movie “She’s Dating the

Gangster” which highlights themes of teenage love, loyalty, and complexity in

relationships.

TEENAGE LOVE
Experiencing love is a profound emotional event at any stage of life. However,

during adolescence, when emotions are heightened and these experiences are

novel, the fluctuations can be particularly intense (Weinstein, 2024). This

phenomenon is vividly illustrated in the movie "She's Dating the Gangster," where

the characters Kenji and Athena navigate the tumultuous highs and lows of young

love, reflecting the extreme emotional swings typical of adolescent relationships.

Many adults often dismiss teenage relationships as inconsequential or unlikely to

endure. However, romantic connections between teenagers can be formative,

instructive, fulfilling, and valuable, regardless of their longevity (Ebran, 2024). This is

illustrated in the film, their relationship not only shapes their personal growth but also

leaves a lasting impact, highlighting the meaningful and instructive nature of young

love. Teenage love can also be beneficial, providing motivation and support during

challenging times (Seaton, 2019). This concept is illustrated where Athena uses

Kenji's love as a source of strength to battle her illness, ultimately helping her to live

longer.

In a Filipino context, parents play a crucial role in guiding their children

regarding romantic relationships. However, many parents today have experienced

early romances themselves. This does not necessarily undermine their ability to

guide their children effectively; rather, their own experiences and lessons learned

from past struggles can be utilized to educate their children about romantic

relationships. This dynamic is mirrored in the character of Athena's mother, who had

her own youthful romance, imparts valuable insights and guidance to Athena as she

navigates her own relationship (Cabello, 2015). Young love doesn't always end well

and can result in breakups. These breakups can shake a person's sense of identity,

especially in relationships where the personalities of the couple have become deeply
intertwined (Zinampan, 2019). This theme is poignantly portrayed in the film, where

Athena, despite never loving anyone else after Kenji, finds solace in his presence

during her final moments, highlighting the enduring impact of their youthful

relationship.

LOYALTY

Adolescents often perceive loyalty as the cornerstone of a successful

relationship. However, they may lack the life experience or wisdom to consistently

maintain this loyalty and remain faithful to their partners (The University of

Queensland, 2023). This sentiment is exemplified in where Kenji and Athena

struggle to navigate the complexities of loyalty and fidelity in their relationship,

reflecting the challenges faced by many young couples. The concept of loyalty is not

typically linked with being single. Some individuals are content with not being in a

romantic relationship, particularly if they have experienced a heartbreaking breakup

and have remained faithful to their previous partners (Travers, 2024). This sentiment

is echoed in the film, where Athena remains single until her death because Kenji is

the only one, she truly loved, demonstrating a profound sense of loyalty to him.

Love Complexity

Evidence from history, culture, and evolution indicates the presence of love in

ancient times and across diverse regions worldwide. Studies have identified romantic

love in 147 out of 166 cultures, underscoring its universal presence and importance

in human societies. (SBC News, 2023). Love is a complex and multifaceted emotion

that embody a wide range of experiences and expressions. From distinguishing


between liking and loving to exploring the dimensions of compassionate and

passionate love, we begin to unravel the depths of human emotion (Arora, 2023).

The complexity of love is further enriched by the various ways it manifests

across different relationships and stages of life. For instance, the initial stages of

romantic love often involve intense feelings of passion and attraction, typically driven

by biological and chemical processes in the brain. As relationships mature, these

initial feelings often evolve into deeper, more enduring forms of love characterized by

companionship and emotional intimacy (Oyetunji, 2022). This transition from

passionate to compassionate love highlights the dynamic nature of love and its

ability to adapt and change over time (Panta Rhai, 2023).

Moreover, the cultural context plays a significant role in shaping our

understanding and experience of love. In some cultures, love is seen as a vital

component of marital relationships, while in others, it might be considered secondary

to social and economic considerations. The concept of love also varies within

cultures, influenced by social norms, values, and traditions (Ucik, 2021). The diverse

perspectives on love illustrate its complexity and the myriad factors that contribute to

its expression, reinforcing the idea that love is not a monolithic experience but a

complicated phenomenon influenced by both universal and culturally specific

elements.
V. Results and Discussion

A beloved Filipino movie, "She's Dating the Gangster," explores the diversities

of loyalty, relationships, and social expectations in Contemporary Filipino Society.

The film offers a contemplative examination of the difficulties of love and loyalty

against a cultural backdrop that combines modernity and enduring traditions, with a

focus on the developing romance between Athena and Kenji. Insights into societal

norms, the portrayal of Filipino society, and the universal human experience of

navigating life's uncertainties particularly regarding matters of love and loyalty—are

all examined in this analysis.

"She's Dating the Gangster" offers a lens into contemporary Filipino society by

exploring the complex dynamics of relationships and loyalty. The film highlights how

familial and societal expectations shape these aspects, emphasizing Filipino values

such as “utang na loob” (debt of gratitude) and “pakikisama” (social harmony).

Kenji's conflict between his past love and current responsibilities exemplifies the

importance of family honor and societal acceptance in Filipino culture.

The film also provides insights into the clash between societal norms and

personal aspirations. Athena and Kenji's relationship begins under false pretenses,

underscoring the pressure to conform to societal expectations. As their relationship

becomes genuine, the film poignantly examines the tension between seeking

personal happiness and gaining societal approval. This narrative mirrors the broader

societal challenge of balancing traditional roles with modern desires for personal

fulfillment and happiness.


"She's Dating the Gangster" has a universal appeal by portraying the human

experience of dealing with life's uncertainties, particularly in matters of love and

loyalty. Kenji's relentless devotion to his first love, despite the challenges it brings,

and Athena's unwavering support in the face of societal judgment, highlight the

unpredictable nature and risks associated with following one's heart. Their story

exemplifies the courage and vulnerability needed to confront life's obstacles, making

their experiences deeply relatable and emotionally resonant for the audience.

VI. Conclusion

"She's Dating the Gangster" provides more than just entertainment; it

presents a thoughtful examination of Filipino society, cultural norms, and the

intricacies of personal relationships. Through the emotional experiences of its

characters, the film vividly captures the courage and resilience required to navigate

life's uncertainties while seeking happiness and fulfillment. The story emphasizes the

challenging balance between conforming to cultural expectations and following

personal desires, offering a relatable and insightful perspective on the human

experience.

Teenage love is more crucial than it is. It is a tremendous concept that leaves

impact to partners experiencing it. Since this is defined as a an intensity stage of life,

this is also often redefined as a lack of experience. Peeling back to the story of Kenji

and Athena, their story represents love and loyalty in the midst of highs and lows.

Kenji who was in a recent break-up found love through faking relationship and

Athena who used that love to fight her illness and lived longer. However, statistics
shows that fewer than 2% marry their high school lover (Staff, 2024). Factors may

affects such as break-ups and other worst scenarios. This results highlighted that the

story is a no exception despite their love and loyalty towards each other. Regardless

of this tragic love story, it highlights the personal development as it grows older

(Seaton & Seaton, 2021), as Kenji becomes a loving father and Athena having long

life and inspires her niece.

It also draws a lot of attention to how it gives enough representation to the

contemporary Filipino especially teenagers and their behaviors towards society. This

analysis highlighted cultures such as “utang-na-loob” and “pakikisama” that implies

that this shouldn’t be practiced because it’s not everyone’s responsibility to be debt

and to satisfy others. Kenji’s gratitude towards his ex’s family made him sacrifice and

break the love he cherish despite the undergoing relationship. This is one of a

hindrance that can cause backdrop to the concept of love as a form of loyalty.

Love is a multi-faced emotion where it can uplift and challenge us

unexpectedly (Arceña, 2023). This can cause to inspire, motivate, and even made us

do things that we don’t think we are capable of. It is normal to experience this

especially in teenage life, yet its crucial. Therefore, enough guidance with the

parents can lessen the hindrance it may caused and can break societal standards

that have been place towards this innocent teens.

VII. References

Arceña, A. N. (2023, December 13). The complexity of love. OpinYon News.


https://opinyon.net/opinion/the-complexity-of-love

Arora, P. (2023, August 4). The Psychology of Love : Understanding the


Complexities of Human Emotions. Retrieved from LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/psychology-love-understanding-complexities-
human-emotions-arora

Cabello, N. (2015, July 28). Young love. Retrieved from PhilStar:


https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-lifestyle/2015/07/28/1482187/
young-love

Ebran, E. (2024, April 29). Is Teen Love Real And Can It Last? Retrieved from
BetterhELP: https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/love/is-teen-love-real-can-it-
last/

Oyetunji, O. (2022, March 11). The complexities of love. Retrieved from Medium:
https://medium.com/what-is-love-to-you/the-complexities-of-love-
61fba5f5d338

Panta Rhai. (2023, September 12). The Complexity of Romantic Love in the
Postmodern Age. Retrieved from Panta Rhai:
https://www.panta-rh.ai/en/post/the-complexity-of-romantic-love-in-the-
postmodern-age

SBC News. (2023). Complexities of love: here's the science behind the emotion.
Retrieved from SBC News:
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/insight/article/complexities-of-love-heres-the-
science-behind-the-emotion/nl73xwbcc

Seaton, J. (2019, August 19). The Science Behind Teenage Relationships: A Teen’s
First Love. Retrieved from YourTeen: https://yourteenmag.com/social-life/tips-
teen-dating/teenage-relationship-science
Seaton, J., & Seaton, J. (2021, April 16). The Science Behind Teenage
Relationships: A Teen's First Love. Your Teen Magazine.
https://yourteenmag.com/social-life/tips-teen-dating/teenage-relationship-
science

Staff, N. A. (2024, February 26). Teenage love and relationships: What parents can
expect. Newport Academy.
https://www.newportacademy.com/resources/empowering-teens/teenage-
love/

The University of Queensland. (2023, January 17). Couple goals vs toxic love: what
is a healthy teenage relationship? Retrieved from The University of
Queensland: https://study.uq.edu.au/stories/what-is-healthy-teenage-
relationship

Travers, J. (2024). Single and Faithful. Retrieved from Life Hope and Truth:
https://lifehopeandtruth.com/relationships/dating/single-and-faithful/

Ucik, M. (2021, January 4). Purpose and Increasing Complexity of Love


Relationships. Retrieved from Integral Relationship:
https://integralrelationship.com/purpose-and-increasing-complexity-of-love-
relationships/

Weinstein, T. (2024, February 16). Teenage Love and Relationships: What Parents
Can Expect. Retrieved from Newport Academy:
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love/

Zinampan, T. (2019, May 28). The science of heartbreak and moving on. Retrieved
from Rappler: https://www.rappler.com/brandrap/travel-and-food/231697-
science-heartbreak-moving-on/

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